(Closed) The arrival of Baby DCHokie!

SHE is finally here! The whole thing was so overwhelming that we forgot to even ask what the sex was for a minute or so!

My labor story sounds a lot like 808’s! Wanted to have a natural childbirth…began to have the most horrific back labor I could have ever imagined and progressed so fast I couldn’t take it. Asked for the epidural and was able to get some sleep since it was the middle of the night. Only pushed for 30 minutes, but I had to get her out fast because she was face up and her heartrate was dropping. But she is here!

Thanks for all the support in those excruciating last days of waiting! Question: were any other first time mom’s like beyond overwhelmed with fear and anxiety when their little one was born? I cannot stop crying and I feel so unconfident…

Congrats!!! I’m sorry you are feeling anxious and crying a lot. I’m sure that will subside soon, as you just went through a major life change and it is a big adjustment, I’m sure! Hang in there. Congrats on your little girl! 🙂

Congrats on your new little one! I hope you’ll share more details about your little girl, and maybe even share a picture when you feel up to it. 🙂

As far as feeling overwhelmed/anxious/incompetent… I think we all feel that. It’s going to take a little time to bond with your baby and build up that confidence in responding to her needs. But don’t worry! You’ll be a pro in no time! In the mean time, don’t feel bad for asking for help. Do you have family/friends of whom you can ask questions or get some help in figuring things out? I called my mom A LOT the first month, and as much as I needed her, she also appreciated being involved and being able to help me out. At the very least, we’re all here for you! But, really, you’ll be fine, momma. 🙂 You’re going to be great at this real soon!

Oh, and part of that might also be baby blues. Try to get rest (when you can) and get outside once in a while (if the weather’s nice). Baby blues pass within a few weeks, but it hits some people harder than others. Have you talked to your doctor/nurse about how you’re coping yet?

I haven’t had my little one yet but if it makes you feel better at 24 weeks I’ve already had a few tears shed over having no clue what to do with a baby. I’m sure you’ll figure things out in no time, all I can play in my head is when we bring her home from the hospital and not being able to figure out uh oh now what?

The route you and 808 took is what I’m planning too – not against an epidural but would rather not have it if it can be avoided. Is it still a plan you would have followed knowing what you know now?

@dchokiebride3: Oh honey! Congratulations. Cecilia was OP too… No wonder you had back labor! Good job with the delivery!

The first couple weeks after she was born, I was so unconfident. I didn’t even want my wonderful in-laws to visit because they might think I was a bad mom. I was totally despondent twice… Once when the baby was losing weight instead of gaining. And once when I realized I might never have a moment alone (or control over my body) again! It’s all those crazy hormones resetting themselves that take their toll.

And then I went for walks and met other moms and life was busy… and I did ok and the sadness faded into the background. If it doesn’t recede, you should tell your doctor, because there is lots of great treatment for PPD.

Hey ladies, Thanks!!! I tried to add a photo but it didn’t seem to work for some reason. Let me try again.

@troubled: I would definitely go the try the natural but keep an open mind plan again! Not that I have any experience but I think it might have been at least a tiny bit more tolerable if I wasn’t having the worst back labor ever!